Hiring a Real Estate Agent: How to Find the Right One (Without Getting Burned) 

So, you’ve decided to buy or sell a house. 
Congrats! And also… good luck. Because real estate is exciting—and also completely overwhelming. 

Enter: the real estate agent. 

Now before you roll your eyes and picture someone in a blazer handing you a brochure and saying “location, location, location”—not all agents are like that. A good one is part therapist, part negotiator, part paperwork ninja, and part “I’ve-seen-some-stuff” guide who can help you survive the chaos. 

But here’s the thing: not all agents are created equal. So let’s talk about how to find someone who actually gets you, has your back, and won’t ghost you once the contract is signed. 

🧠 First: Why You Even Need One 

Technically, you can buy or sell without an agent. But unless you’re a lawyer, a full-time researcher, and an expert negotiator all in one… you’re probably gonna want help. 

A good agent: 

• Knows the market better than Google ever will 
• Helps you figure out what’s a good deal (and what’s a red flag wrapped in granite countertops) 
• Handles showings, offers, contracts, inspections, negotiations—aka, all the stressful stuff 
• Can save you time, money, and a few nervous breakdowns 

Basically: they do the heavy lifting so you don’t spiral. 

🕵️‍♀️ How to Find a Real One (Not Just Someone With a Nice Headshot) 

You want someone who’s in it—not just someone who got their license last month and posts inspirational quotes on Instagram. 

Here’s how to sniff out the good ones: 

🔍 Ask Around 

Talk to people you trust. Friends, coworkers, your cousin who just bought a house. Personal recommendations > random Google searches every time. 

🧾 Stalk Their Listings 

Are they active? Do they know your area? Are their listings in the ballpark of what you’re trying to buy or sell? If they’ve only sold million-dollar beach homes and you’re buying a condo downtown… maybe not the right match. 

🎙️ Interview Them 

Yes, you’re allowed to ask questions. You’re not just hiring anyone—you’re hiring someone to help you make one of the biggest financial moves of your life. 

Ask: 

• How long have you been doing this? 
• How many buyers/sellers do you work with at once? 
• What’s your approach to communication (text? email? middle-of-the-night panic calls?) 
• Do you work solo or as part of a team? 

You want someone who’s confident, responsive, and actually listens to you. 

🚩 Red Flags to Watch For 

Let’s keep it real: some agents… kinda suck. 

Be cautious if: 

• They pressure you to rush or settle 
• They talk over you or ignore your concerns 
• They don’t know the area 
• They treat you like a paycheck, not a person 

You don’t owe anyone loyalty just because they showed you one open house. If the vibe’s off, move on. 

🤝 Once You Find “The One” 

You’ll sign a contract (called a buyer’s agreement or listing agreement), depending on whether you’re buying or selling. It outlines stuff like how long they’ll represent you, what they get paid (usually around 2.5–3%), and what they’ll do for you. 

Make sure you read it. Ask questions. If anything feels weird, say so. This person works for you. 

🧘 Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Hire an Agent—Hire Someone You Actually Like 

Buying or selling a house is stressful. It’s emotional. It’s full of “what the hell is this form?” moments and second-guessing everything. 

So find someone who doesn’t just know their stuff—but makes you feel like they’ve got your back. 

The right agent won’t just get you a house—they’ll help you feel like you’re not losing your mind in the process.